Exhibitions

The notion of a hierarchy of materials in art – with the ‘fine arts’ of painting and sculpture elevated above the applied or decorative arts – is challenged by innovative artistic collaborations between fashion designers and visual artists, reflective of a broader tendency to multidisciplinary practices pursued by many contemporary artists today. Historically associated with ‘women’s work’ and embraced by diverse counter-cultural movements and communities over time, textiles are a compelling medium for political and social messaging, and conversations around gender and sexuality, status, power and perceptions of value.

Following many years of successful exhibition programming with a focus on costume and fashion, Bendigo Art Gallery recently established an Australian Fashion Collection. The collection is focused on themes of sustainability, diversity and inclusivity, and a special focus on First Nations design.

A major new acquisition of works by multidisciplinary artist and designer, Jordan Gogos, are showcased in this installation of works from the collection.  Gogos works almost exclusively with salvaged and gifted deadstock (unused fabric left over from fashion manufacturing), which he reworks into new fabrics and forms. He collaborates with a wide number of established and emerging artists and designers to realise wearable art ensembles and wall-based works in response to the fashion industry’s environmental and social responsibilities.

Presented as part of the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Independent Programme.